When we call to mind some of Rihanna’s most iconic beauty moments, there are a few commonalities—a bold lip, a glowing complexion and a look created at the hands of Priscilla Ono. Ono, who is Rihanna’s makeup artist, is responsible for many beauty trends, since she’s also the global makeup artist at Fenty Beauty. A true artist, Ono creates looks that are every bit as edgy as they are mesmerising—but a good makeup artist knows how to nail the basics too. That’s why her clients—which include Megan Thee Stallion and Troye Sivan—always look flawless. 

When Gritty Pretty had the chance to chat to Ono, we went back to basics and asked her about one of the toughest things to master—how to achieve a flawless base (à la Rihanna). Here, she explains the secret to Rihanna’s always-glowing complexion, how she works with RiRi to come up with some of her more daring looks, and the one product Ono thinks you should stock your own makeup kit with.

Hi Priscilla! We’d love to start with Rihanna’s beauty notes! What do you always have in your kit when working with Rihanna?
I always have Invisimatte Blotting Powder and Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in my makeup bag. I love to use it as a lip moisturiser, over colour or by itself, especially when I don’t have that much time! Invisimatte Blotting Powder is THE BEST blotting powder! One, because it doesn’t cake up and two, there is no colour transfer. I use it to touch up Rihanna all the time so she only glows where she wants to. Match Stix are a must have too, I use them for everything; conceal, contour, highlight, eyeshadow, lip.

If you could only use one Fenty Beauty product for the rest of time, which one would it be?
It is seriously so difficult to choose as there are so many incredible products that are multi-functional. But I would have to say… Fenty Beauty’s Match Stix Matte / Shimmer Skinstick. I feel I can do a full face using just these because they are so versatile. You can use the matte shades as contour or concealer and the shimmer shades for blush, eyeshadow, lip, whatever you want.

Rihanna is known for her glowy base, how do you achieve that and what products do you use?
I always start with Fenty Beauty Instant Retouch Primer and then using the Full-Bodied Foundation Brush 110, I’ll apply Pro Filt’r Foundation to create a soft matte base. Next, I’ll take Pro Filt’r Concealer to brighten the under-eye using the Precision Concealer Brush 180, along with any other areas that might need a little more coverage. To add dimension, I’ll use the Matte Match Stix Skinsticks or Cheeks Out Cream Bronzer to contour, and then layer on Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter to give a natural glow—she loves Girl Next Door / Chic Phreak. I also use the Invisimatte Blotting Powder on Rihanna for touch ups throughout the day since we’re usually under harsh lighting so the skin can get oily and this powder makes her skin stay flawless and fresh.

What are some of your must-do skin preparation steps for a flawless foundation routine on whoever you’re working on (including yourself!)?
The last step of your skincare routine should always be SPF, and the first step of your makeup routine should always be primer. Depending on the seasons, your skin may be a bit drier or oilier, and in the summer months, I’ll usually reach for a mattifying primer, like the Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer to really help extend the foundation wear. I also recommend setting areas of the face with Invisimatte Blotting Powder that I know will get a bit oiler throughout the day, like the t-zone. This will ensure the most extended wear from your foundation.

Rihanna is not afraid to wear a bold lip—how do you work together on the lip shades she will wear for big red carpet events?
She loves a bold lip! If she’s in the mood for a bold lip, she’ll usually tell me when I start her makeup, this way I’ll keep her eyes a bit more neutral, so the focus can stay on the lips. When picking a shade, we’ll consider her outfit and choose a shade that complements, but doesn’t necessarily match it exactly. For example, Stunna Lip Paint in the deep burgundy shade Underdawg, can look amazing with a dark green outfit.

What can you tell us about what’s coming up next for Fenty Beauty?
You’ll have to wait and see…. But it’s no secret that Fenty Beauty is a trendsetter! Rihanna pays attention to every detail and wants to make sure every skin tone is covered from very fair to very dark—and I’m so proud to be a part of that.